Alnwick & Warkworth Castles: A Detailed Review & Guide

Northumberland, up in northern England, is sort of packed with castles, each having its own story to tell. Alnwick Castle and Warkworth Castle are two that seem to really capture the imagination. So, if you’re thinking of checking them out, here’s a lowdown, with the intent that it will be somewhat helpful, drawing on my experience and hopefully giving you some good insights.

First Stop: Alnwick Castle, A Bit Like Stepping right Into a Movie

Alnwick Castle might seem actually familiar to you, especially if you’re quite into films. Apparently, it’s featured in a number of movies, perhaps most famously as Hogwarts in the first couple of “Harry Potter” films. Walking through the bailey, it’s sort of quite easy to see why; the architecture is imposing, it is definitely something. You might see the castle looming against the horizon. Very, very, few castles have its sense of sheer presence, which is quite the feel when it’s encountered. Of course, there’s much, much, more to Alnwick than film sets, you will come to find.

What’s Great About Alnwick Castle

Okay, first off, Alnwick offers, very much, something for everyone. If you are a history enthusiast, you might enjoy wandering through the State Rooms, each one showcasing centuries of art and furnishings. These rooms are rather kept in great shape. You might imagine the Dukes and Duchesses of Northumberland going about their daily lives within these walls. The history kind of comes alive. Maybe you could lose yourself in the tales of battles and noble families, for instance.

Then there’s the more modern stuff, too. You can have a go at some medieval crafts, it seems, or take an archery lesson. Often, there are live performances and events, too. Kids are actually well catered for, that is certain, with dragon quest activities and a Knight School that really gets them into the spirit. So, if you’ve kids that need tireing out, consider this.

It might also be that you want to climb the towers for seriously far-reaching views, which apparently showcase the beautiful Northumberland countryside. The views definitely give you a sense of the strategic importance the castle played for what must have been hundreds of years. I almost thought I could spot invaders approaching.

Things to Keep A Mind Of

Alnwick can get very busy, especially during the summer months, really. If you prefer, and if you actually can, visiting off-season is very likely the better option. Check the castle’s website for event schedules; special events could either add something, or make the crowds way bigger. Buying tickets, well, in advance online could save you time queuing. That way you’ll get to look round what’s importent to you.

It could well be that the grounds are extensive. Plan to spend at least half a day to really experience everything. It may or may not be comfertable so wear comfy shoes.

Warkworth Castle: A More Grounded, Stripped-Back Experience

Warkworth Castle offers actually something quite different from the grandeur of Alnwick. Whereas Alnwick might strike you as refined and very grand, Warkworth, only, is more about dramatic ruins and history that you can feel right down to the stone. Situated by the River Coquet, the setting just feels romantic and kind of rugged, to boot.

What’s so Special Regarding Warkworth

For a start, the sense of history you’re getting at Warkworth, really, is hard to beat. The castle was home to the Percy family, just like Alnwick, yet very here, it’s presented on a smaller scale. The ruins are more sort of widespread, but somehow that draws you in to really wonder how things were like way, way back.

Maybe the most special aspect of Warkworth is the Hermitage, and as a result a little boat trip is a great addition. This chapel, and that it is, carved into the rock along the river, has quite the tranquil setting, just adding a sense of mystery to the whole place. The Hermitage tells, basically, the story of a nobleman’s grief after he accidentally killed his own brother – it is the epitome of very sorrowful.

Also, the views from the top of the keep are just incredibly sweeping, with some stunning glimpses of the Northumberland coast. It makes the brief climb well worthwhile.

Things You Need to Know, I Believe

Warkworth Castle, it seems, is less about special effects and more about absorbing the history. The audio tour that English Heritage has put together really brings the stories alive and it might fill in quite a bit for you.

Just because the village of Warkworth is really close by. Consider, very seriously, going to the village for lunch or a stroll along the river, I’m sure that it will enhance the visit.

The site isn’t actually as manicured as Alnwick; there are, though, some uneven surfaces to it, so basically wearing appropriate footwear is quite wise.

Planning Your Trip

When visiting Alnwick and Warkworth, I thought I’d add in a little planning advice that you might find handy, because that is what this review and guide is here for. If it seems like you only want to scratch the surface, a day could cover, very superficially, both castles. However, it makes sense that if you are something of a enthusiast of historic sites, then allowing a full day for each means you will, naturally, get quite a bit more out of the experiences.

Getting There

It really seems to me that driving is one of the simplest options, with well-marked routes right from the A1. Both castles have plenty of parking. As I recall, public transport is available; it really, however, could require a bit of planning.

Tickets and Timing

Buying tickets beforehand online, for instance, is normally the thing to do. This just could, likely, save time and maybe even guarantee entry, more or less.

Visiting hours actually vary throughout the year, very depending on the season, actually. So, you’ll need to make the, apparently, relevant checks right before planning the travel, to make sure that the opening times won’t get in the way, as such.

Making the Most Out of Your Trip

• Dress Comfortably: Maybe you’re going to explore many things, so obviously choose appropriate clothes.
• Check the Weather: It appears that Northumberland’s weather, if one could describe it as so, is rather changeable. Always, if it seems at all helpful, have a raincoat.
• Food and Drink: Very, very, both castles do, I suspect, have cafes. I actually found the village eateries to be quite better value, as it appears, though.
• Photography: Perhaps taking photographs will be of particular interest. The castles offer incredible photography opportunities, naturally, especially at dusk.

Why These Castles?

I wanted to add in just what makes these castles unique in the great ocean of places one could visit, as, maybe, something of a summary. Alnwick is great as something which appeals to all with many different historic interpretations, which are right there to look at, alongside interactive ways of making these castles available for both young, and slightly old. However, Warkworth offers this historic location within an extremely beautiful spot. Maybe the audio guide really takes you into days long ago. Visiting either, or very indeed, both makes quite an impression.

So there we have it. Alnwick and Warkworth Castles offer an engaging look right into the past of this country. That both are different is not a issue, both in there own very respective styles seem something that one ought not miss.

#AlnwickCastle #WarkworthCastle #Northumberland #UKTravel #CastleGuide